Episode Summary
Xiao Qiao confronts Madam Wei about her neglect of Wei Shao and takes over his care, a move Wei Shao secretly appreciates. Their bond deepens as Xiao Qiao prepares for Wei Shao's trip and he entrusts her with organizing Madam Xu's birthday banquet, much to Madam Wei's displeasure. Political tensions rise in Bianzhou with Governor Chen Xiang, his wife Su Ehuang, and his uncle Chen Pang. The notorious playboy Wei Yan, Wei Shao's cousin, arrives and immediately causes trouble, accidentally damaging a jade piece Xiao Qiao intended as a gift for Madam Xu. Wei Yan then "helps" by designing a way to fix it. Later, the completed jade bracelet gift goes missing right before the banquet. Wei Shao rushes to get a replacement made, while Wei Yan "finds" the original bracelet, using the opportunity to openly express his interest in Xiao Qiao, confirming her suspicions about his intentions.
Spoiler Alert
We kicked off with Xiao Qiao finally putting her foot down with the ever-problematic Madam Wei. Seriously, this woman! Xiao Qiao called her out for never truly caring about Wei Shao, even down to gifting him shoes that were a size too small – a clear dig at where Madam Wei's real attention (hello, Zheng Chu Yu) has been. Xiao Qiao declared she’s taking over all of Wei Shao’s care from now on. Madam Wei, predictably, blew a gasket and kicked her out, but Xiao Qiao made a graceful, dignified exit. And guess who was lurking in the shadows, witnessing this whole exchange with a storm of emotions? Yep, our man Wei Shao.
Speaking of Wei Shao, he’s clearly starting to soften towards Xiao Qiao, even if he’s trying to play it cool. After a grim day at the execution grounds (yikes!), he actually had his clothes incensed before seeing Xiao Qiao, worried the smell of blood would upset her. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao was diligently sewing a waistband for his upcoming ceremonial trip and made sure food was ready for his return.
Later, Wei Shao "casually" joined Xiao Qiao for a meal. She presented him with the finished waistband, and though he acted all nonchalant, he couldn't resist trying it on in private. Of course, Xiao Qiao walked in on him admiring himself in the mirror – busted! He awkwardly grabbed a book, pretending to be engrossed. It was a cute, telling moment. Their bond is definitely growing, even if Wei Shao is still internally conflicted. He even sought out Gongsun Yang for some marriage advice, only to find out Xiao Qiao had done the same! Wei Shao vowed he wouldn't hurt Xiao Qiao personally anymore, but he’s still holding a major grudge against her clan, deeming their past actions unforgivable.
In a significant show of trust, Wei Shao tasked Xiao Qiao with organizing the upcoming birthday celebration for Madam Xu. This is a big deal because Madam Wei usually handles it, and you just know she’s not going to be happy about being sidelined. Xiao Qiao, ever the diplomat, even tried to get some tips from Madam Wei on Madam Xu's preferences. Madam Wei, still salty, reluctantly shared some info but also warned Xiao Qiao about a certain someone who might try to steal Wei Shao’s thunder: his cousin, Wei Yan. This guy is apparently a notorious playboy with a reputation for being entangled with half the women in the city and a household full of wives and concubines. Xiao Qiao wisely decided less contact with him would mean less trouble. If only it were that simple!
Meanwhile, we got a peek into the political turmoil in Bianzhou. Governor Chen Xiang is fuming over a loss and taking it out on Xue Tai. His wife, Lady Su Ehuang, stepped in to smooth things over. There’s tension between them – no kids yet, and Su Ehuang’s suggestion to adopt was shot down by Chen Xiang, who seems to be relying on his uncle, Chen Pang. And speaking of Chen Pang, he walked in radiating disapproval, especially towards Su Ehuang and the flower marking (huadian) on her forehead. Apparently, it used to be a symbol of good fortune, but with Bianzhou’s recent troubles, Chen Pang suspects it’s a bad omen. Su Ehuang, for her part, is wary of Chen Pang and his suspicions about her "peony destiny," telling her brother Su Zixin they need to keep an eye on him. Little does she know, Chen Pang is already having her watched, with orders to kill if she steps out of line. Intense!
Back to the main drama: Madam Xu arrived, and she’s clearly fond of her nephew Wei Yan, who also made his grand entrance, turning heads all over the city. Madam Xu gifted both Wei Shao and Wei Yan a pair of jade pieces. Madam Wei couldn't resist a snide comment about Wei Shao only getting gifts when Wei Yan is around, earning a sharp rebuke from Madam Xu.
Wei Shao, in a sweet gesture, gave his jade piece to Xiao Qiao, suggesting she have it made into a gift for Madam Xu, thus solving her present predicament. So, Xiao Qiao and her attendant Xiao Tao headed to a jade shop. But who should show up causing a ruckus outside? Wei Yan, on his horse. The horse’s neigh startled the shopkeeper, who dropped and cracked the jade! Smooth, Wei Yan, real smooth. To "make up" for it, he sketched a design to cleverly incorporate the crack. He then tried to place a hairpin he’d made into Xiao Qiao’s hair, but she wasn't having it. Xiao Tao jumped in to shield her, and Wei Yan, ever the charmer, playfully tapped Xiao Tao’s nose. Xiao Tao later commented on just how flirty he is. Understatement of the year, girl. This Wei Yan then went back to his place and immediately summoned a bevy of concubines, one of whom, Lan Yun, was instantly smitten.
As Xiao Qiao was organizing the birthday gifts, Wei Yan dropped by with his own, making sure to greet her (from behind a screen, the tease) and definitely clocking the bracelet she was having made from the jade. He even made a pointed comment about searching everyone thoroughly as he left. Foreshadowing, much? Because, lo and behold, right before the birthday banquet, the box with the precious jade bracelet went missing!
Panic ensued. A thorough search turned up nothing. Xiao Zao suggested they keep quiet about it, but Xiao Qiao, bless her integrity, knew that would only make things worse. She confessed to Wei Shao, fully prepared to take the blame. Wei Shao, surprisingly, told her not to worry, that it wasn’t a big deal if it was truly lost. Xiao Qiao was understandably confused by his calm demeanor.
But then, plot twist! Wei Shao immediately hightailed it to Wei Yan’s place, demanding the other jade piece (the one Madam Xu gave Wei Yan) to have a new bracelet made for Xiao Qiao overnight. Wei Yan, being the schemer he is, agreed but hinted at wanting to "settle accounts" later. Wei Shao, desperate, just grabbed the jade and bolted to the jade shop.
The next day, Wei Yan "miraculously" found the missing bracelet in a flowerpot, conveniently getting a good look at Xiao Qiao in the process. She thanked him profusely, and he played the concerned gentleman, advising her to be more careful. But Xiao Qiao wasn't born yesterday. She called him out, stating she knew he’d recognized her at the jade shop and was just putting on an act now. Wei Yan dropped the charade instantly, admitting he’d heard all about the legendary beauty of the "Twin Beauties" (referring to Xiao Qiao and her sister) and had come to "appreciate" her for himself. The audacity!
